Time for more essays. How many you might ask? The current count is 182.

English 12AP

There was a question about the expectations of a synthesis essay in English 12. We'll be discussing this in more detail in class, but here are some quick items:

1. Synthesis means that we're using two texts to create new ideas and form an argument that incorporates both of them. This should be reflected in your thesis statement.
2. Do not compare and contrast the texts for this assignment. 
3. Our synthesis essay has a primary text. Namely, Othello. You have a choice of two other texts with which you will synthesize your essay. 
4. Because there is a primary text, you can use either article to "re-read" Othello and form an argument based on how Othello comments on the topics addressed in the article. Conversely, you could even use Othello to address the arguments in the article.

English 10

Here are some example topics we'll be examining while we refine our thesis statements:

Everyone is basically good.

People should be able to criticize the government.

Beauty is a matter of personal preference.

Personality is more important than beauty.

Love can last forever.

Blondes aren’t as smart as brunettes.

Violence is necessary sometimes.

All students should be required to speak English.

Teachers are always right.

Money is more important than love.

Possession of drugs should require jail time.

1. Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. 
2. Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument. 
3. Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”? 
4. Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. 
5. Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary. 
6. Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning. 

Source: UNC Writing Center

English 9 SPECTRUM

Today we handed in the good copies of our stories. We discussed more BITSP and began viewing a film with similar tones: Life is Beautiful (1997).